In a significant development six months after the commencement of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Israeli military on Sunday announced that it had withdrawn its forces from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

Israel said it wrapped up a key phase in its ground offensive against the Hamas militant group and brought its troop presence in the territory to one of the lowest levels since the war began.

The officials said the withdrawal of troops is a part of the next plan as the army prepares to move into Hamas’ last stronghold, Rafah.

“The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping,” said the military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.